Judge Rules OFAC Cannot Reinstate Tornado Cash Sanctions

A federal court has permanently prohibited the US Treasury from reapplying sanctions on the crypto mixer Tornado Cash, marking a clear win for crypto privacy supporters.

Judge Robert Pitman of the US District Court for the Western District of Texas finalized amendments on Monday, declaring the Treasury’s actions “unlawful” and issuing an order to stop enforcement permanently.

The ruling dismissed the government’s efforts to avoid a final judgment after lifting sanctions on Tornado Cash in March.

“After the 5th Circuit ruled against the government in November, attempts were made to dodge a final judgment,” tweeted Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, sharing the amended rulings. “Today the Court put an end to it.”